Crowds turn out to watch lights switch on

Crowds packed out Newcastle city centre on Tuesday night to watch Joe McElderry switch on the Christmas lights.

The X Factor star and South Shields favourite whipped up some festive spirit before he pressed the button which illuminated around 20,000 twinkling lights.

He took to the stage at the Monument where around 5,000 people had gathered to watch the annual treat.

And the singer, who will be starring in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at Metro Radio Arena over Christmas, wore the coat of many colours over his suit to belt out hits from the show before ditching it to deliver some Christmas songs.

Fans in the crowd, which stretched from Grainger Street to the Monument, sang along and cheered when he finally flicked the switch and a canopy of lights sparkled overhead, with decorations in the nearby streets following suit.

Excitement had started to build an hour ahead of the switch-on with on-stage entertainment, hosted by Metro Radio breakfast presenters Steve and Karen, getting underway at 5.30pm.

Elderly man attacked on train

An elderly man was verbally abused and had a bottle thrown at him by a group of young men on a train.

The British Transport Police (BTP) is asking for the victim or any witnesses to the incident on the Northern Rail train between Newcastle and Carlisle to come forward.

The incident happened at some point between 3.10pm and 4.45pm on November 5 when the man reported he had been verbally abused.

He later had a bottle thrown at him by the same group while travelling between Brampton and Carlisle, say police.

The group of six culprits are described as being aged between 20 and 28. Some were bearded and were carrying luggage.

A BTP spokesperson said:

“If you were the victim or you witnessed the incident or have any other information which could help the investigation, please contact BTP by calling 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016, quoting reference number 188 13/11/17.”

WalkergateTom Eden

Man critically injured after car 'fall'

A man is fighting for life in hospital after falling from a moving car in Walkergate.

(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

Police say they have not yet established the reason that the 34-year-old fell from the rear near side door of the Volkswagen Polo on Shields Road on November 7.

Following the fall at around 7.15pm, the driver of the Polo did not stop.

The passenger was taken to hospital with a head injury where he remains in a critical condition.

Officers are now appealing for help from the public with their investigation into the incident.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said:

“Inquiries are on-going to establish the circumstances and police are now appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 and quote reference number 1024 07/11/17.”

NUFCTom Eden

If, and when, Mike Ashley accepts a bid, what happens next?

News of progress on Newcastle United’s takeover had gone quiet for a couple of weeks - before it shot back on to the agenda over the weekend.

Suggestions that a sale was imminent and could even be announced this week was premature, however, despite Mike Ashley having formally placed the club on the market last month and stressed his desire to offload United by Christmas.

It is understood that Amanda Staveley and her PCP Capital Partners firm continue to conduct due diligence at St James’ Park and remain the frontrunners, despite other parties having signed non-disclosure agreements with the club as well.

The next significant step will be for one of the interested parties to actually make a formal offer - something which it is understood has not yet arrived - and then attempt to negotiate a price with Ashley.

The Sports Direct magnate is believed to value Newcastle at close to £400million, though it is claimed that PCP Partners view £300m as a more-realistic figure, and therefore negotiations over a price could prove exhaustive.

But, if and when a bid is made, what needs to happen before any prospective buyer actually becomes owner of Newcastle United? Could a Christmas deadline still be plausible? And when must a takeover occur take place by in order for Rafa Benitez to potentially receive an increased January-transfer budget?

Train delays

An update to the delays on trains — there are some minor delays of between eight and 13 minutes to some East Coast trains:

HebburnTom Eden

Schoolgirl sexually assaulted walking to school

A pupil was sexually assaulted as she walked to school in South Tyneside - just a week after a separate incident in the same area.

Hebburn Comprehensive School (Image: newcastle chronicle)

Police say the teenager was near to Hebburn Comprehensive School at 8.50am on Tuesday when she was approached by a man on a pedal bike.

The girl was unhurt but left “very shocked” by the incident as she walked along Campbell Park Road, Northumbria Police said.

The incident is the second in eight days involving a schoolgirl and a man on a bike outside the school, according to police.

They say another pupil was also approached by a cyclist on Monday, November 7 and officers are stepping up their search for the culprit.

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: “Police have been making extensive enquiries in the area since last week carrying out house to house enquiries, checking for CCTV footage and conducting extra patrols particularly before and after school times following the incident.”

Acting Neighbourhood Inspector Angela Lewis added:

“We would urge anyone in the vicinity of the school who sees anything or anyone suspicious to speak to either the officers on patrol, or the school, and ask that any witnesses come forward and speak to us no matter how small they think the information is.

“Pupils and parents should remain vigilant and anyone with any information should contact us on 101, quoting reference 195 of 14/11/17 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

19:02Tom Eden

East Coast Main Line problems

An incident at Doncaster appears to be disrupting trains on the East Coast Main Line.

However, there don’t appear to be any significant delays affecting Newcastle at this stage.

NewcastleTom Eden

Watch the lights get switched on

Here’s the moment a flick of the switch by Joe McElderry lit up the Newcastle streets:

Newcastle airportKEY EVENT

Man dies on Jet2 flight from Tenerife

Passengers have described their horror as an elderly man died in mid-air on a Jet2 flight from Tenerife to Newcastle.

The holidaymakers were returning to Tyneside on Sunday night when the 81-year-old passed away en route causing the plane to be diverted to Cork in Ireland.

Witnesses reported seeing a medical team try to resuscitate the passenger in his aeroplane seat as his horrified wife looked on.

Wayne Clarke, 47, from Kenton, was sitting towards the middle of the plane as the tragedy unfolded.

Wayne said the flight was about an hour away from Newcastle when the man’s condition deteriorated and medics tried to resuscitate him.

He said:

“From what people were saying this man must have taken ill in Tenerife because he had medical staff on the plane with him.

“He was sat at the front with them and his wife.”

“He was in his seat and I could see them working on him, doing chest compressions.

“The staff told us the plane would have to be diverted because of a medical emergency.

“I was absolutely devastated. I wasn’t bothered about the delay but my heart went out to the poor woman who had lost her husband. What a way for it to happen.”

Top StoryTom Eden

Mum's heartbreaking tribute to schoolboy Jak Fada

He was the football-mad schoolboy whose infectious smile lit up every room.

But now the family of tragic Jak Fada have been left devastated at the youngster’s sudden passing from a ruptured artery at the age of just 10.

The death of the popular Westoe Crown Primary School pupil was the second tragedy to befall the family within a day, following the death of Jak’s great-grandfather James Tomlin 22 hours prior.

Now, heartbroken mum Ashley Tomlin has emotionally opened up on the agony of losing her beloved son far too soon.

She said:

“This was a total shock and out of the blue. We thought the pain in his chest might have been from losing his great-grandad.

“It’s ironic it was his heart because Jak had the biggest heart. He has given me the best 10 years of my life.

“In 22 hours, everything has been taken away from us. Our whole world has just caved in.”

NewcastleKEY EVENT

Christmas lights switch on

Tonight’s the night - the Newcastle Christmas lights get switched on for 2017 and we’re live, reporting from the event.

The lights - 20,000 of them in fact - have been installed, draped across the city centre streets in soon-to-be-sparkling garlands, and all we need now is for someone to flick the switch and add that blast of colour.

Around 5,000 people are expected to brave the cold and turn up to see him perform the honours at the annual treat - and it seems Joe is looking forward to it as much as anyone.

Joining Joe for the button-pushing ceremony will be Sam Lavery, a fellow local singer who won fans on The X Factor and, like Joe, has previously attended the event; cast members from the upcoming Gateshead Stadium panto Sleeping Beauty; the Lord Mayor of Newcastle Coun Linda Wright, and Metro Radio’s Breakfast Show presenters Steve and Karen who will play host.

“Many local people have been in touch regarding the provision of sprinkler systems, appalled that their presence is not mandatory either in new build or existing schools.

“Sprinklers are an essential safety feature in the control of fire. Following the tragedy at Grenfell Tower, the importance of sprinklers in public spaces, as well as residential properties, has been highlighted to the Government on numerous occasions.”

17:11Tom Eden

Burning car in Gateshead

Firefighters have put out a car on fire:

South TynesideTom Eden

'Bright orange pills' warning

Bright orange ecstasy pills are believed to have led to the death of a 22-year-old man in Jarrow, who became unwell early on Tuesday morning.

Emergency services arrived at the scene in Foxhomes, Jarrow, at approximately 3am, and were told that the man had taken ecstasy.

The 22-year-old, who has not been named, was taken to hospital by paramedics but passed away later in the day.

A warning has now been issued by police about the dangers of the “distinctive” orange pills, and Detective Inspector Sean McGuigan said:

“Enquiries to establish the exact cause of death are ongoing, but we do want to warn people against taking these pills.

“If anyone is offered them, or has them in their possession, then we would encourage them to hand them in to police.

“If anyone has any information about who has supplied the drugs in question then we would also encourage them to contact us at the earliest opportunity.”

Specialist officers are supporting the man’s family as enquiries into his death continue, with a postmortem due to be carried out on Tuesday.

Northumbria Police added that anyone who has information about the drugs should contact them on 101, quoting reference 68 14/11/17, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who has taken these pills and needs emergency medical attention should call 999.

Top StoryTom Eden

Boyfriend's assaults on partner after prison release

Boyfriend from hell Geordie Davison is back behind bars after attacking his on-off partner three days in a row and breaching a restraining order for a tenth time.

Geordie Davison (inset) and Newcastle Crown Court (main pic)

Time and time again the 25-year-old has flouted court orders aimed at protecting ex partners.

He had previously been locked up for assaulting his 18-year-old girlfriend and was given a restraining order banning him from contacting her.

But after he was released from prison on September 4, she was assaulted by him in a series of violent outbursts.

On September 5 the teenager was with him and decided she wanted to go home.

Durham Road reopened

Family tribute to cyclist who died after collision

The family of a cyclist who died after being knocked over by an electric car last week have paid tribute to the “devoted husband, wonderful father, grandfather, brother and friend.”

Fred Heppell, from Lanchester, was cycling on the southbound side of the A177 between Bowburn and Shincliffe when he was involved in the fatal collision with a blue Tesla Model S 90D on the morning of Friday, November 10.

He was airlifted to James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough in a critical condition, but passed away later that afternoon.

Mr Heppell, a former bank manager, was an enthusiastic cyclist who leaves behind his widow, two sons and two grandchildren.

Despite recently celebrating his 80th birthday, Mr Heppell’s family said he had no intention of slowing down.

A statement released by the family said:

“He had a long and happy retirement, combining his love of cycling with his sense of adventure and travel.

“Fred averaged 10,000 miles per year on his bike and with his wife by his side had cycled across America, Australia, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand and a host of European countries in his retirement years.

“He was a regular on the North East roads, popping out for an average 60 mile bike ride at least three times each week.

“Fred loved the sunshine and the great outdoors. When home from his travels he enjoyed being a perfectionist gardener, tending his allotment, growing his own fruit and vegetables while enjoying the ‘good life’.

“Fred was also a very sociable character, enjoying a real ale or red wine night out and annual walking holidays with the lads.

“He has left a huge void in the lives of so many but we all cherish the time we had with him and the many happy memories he has left with us.”

Durham Constabulary would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the collision, which happened at around 9.20am in High Shincliffe.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting incident number 90 of November 10.

BreakingKEY EVENT

Woman dies after Low Fell lorry collision

An elderly woman who was knocked down by a lorry in Low Fell has died, police have confirmed.

The collision involving a truck and pedestrian happened at just after 11.15am on Durham Road, a short distance from its junction with Belle Vue Bank.

A bystander was seen giving the woman CPR before the emergency services attended.

The North East Ambulance Service sent six ambulances to the scene and Northumbria Police closed the road while they investigate the collision.

The driver of the truck, a 51-year-old man, is currently helping police with their enquiries and Northumbria Police are now appealing for any witnesses to the incident.

A spokeswoman added:

“Diversions are in place and people are asked to avoid the area.

“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with any information which could assist police are asked to call 101, quoting 330 of 14/11/17.”

Durham Road is expected to remain closed for most of Tuesday afternoon, with motorists and buses being re-routed.

14:17Katie Collings

Transport Police appeal

An elderly man was verbally abused and had a bottle thrown at him by a group of young men on a train.

(Image: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire )

The British Transport Police are asking for the victim or any witnesses to the incident on the Northern Rail train between Newcastle and Carlisle to come forward.

The incident happened at some point between 3.10pm and 4.45pm when the man reported he had been verbally abused.

He later had a bottle thrown at him by the same group while travelling between Brampton and Carlisle.

The group of six culprits are described as being aged between 20 and 28, some were bearded and were carrying luggage.

A spokesperson for the British Transport Police said:

“If you were the victim or you witnessed the incident or have any other information which could help the investigation, please contact BTP by calling 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016, quoting reference number 188 13/11/17.”

14:04KEY EVENT

Police searching for couple who were allegedly attacked

Police are searching for a man and woman who were allegedly attacked in North Shields.

Seven people have now been arrested in connection with the alleged incident on Waterville Road on Ocober 23.

Two females aged 16 and 18 years and five males one aged 13, two aged 14 and two aged 16 years have all been charged with violent disorder.

Officers are still trying to trace the man and woman who were allegedly attacked by a group of people and are urging anyone with any information regarding this incident to make contact with Northumbria Police quoting reference number 904 23/10/17.

A spokesperson for the force said there had been a recent increase in disorder in the area which has resulted in extra police patrols on the estate.

On Bonfire Night, a 19-year-old man was arrested and charged with a public order offence after allegedly throwing a firework at police officers.

Northern Neighbourhood Inspector Michelle Caisley said:

“This kind of behaviour is unacceptable and impacts on the lives of those living on the estate.

“It will not be tolerated and robust action will be taken against anyone involved in any incidents of crime or anti-social behaviour.

“Police are already and will continue to work together with partners using all powers available to tackle those involved and encourage anyone who is experiencing any issues to contact their local neighbourhood team.”

13:49Katie Collings

Durham Road still closed

We’ll keep you updated with how this is going:

13:31Katie Collings

Heavy in Cramlington

Traffic is heavy on the A19 at the A189 Spine Road near Moor Farm Roundabout.

13:19Katie Collings

Bus diversion reminder

Durham Road in Low Fell is expected to be closed for another few hours and buses are being diverted:

A spokesperson for Go North East said:

“We are unable to serve a large area around Low Fell due to an accident. Services are diverted.